In my work advocating for gender diversity and inclusion, I have made a deliberate choice to centre cisgender women. This decision is grounded in my journey, professional experiences, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Some may view this focus as exclusionary or even transphobic. Still, I intend to highlight a middle ground that acknowledges the complexities of gender diversity without subscribing to extreme viewpoints. Here, I outline the reasons for my approach and how it aligns with broader feminist principles and statistical realities.
Feminist Background
My advocacy is deeply rooted in Feminism 4.0 principles, prioritising inclusion and intersectionality for all individuals, including trans women, in debates and discussions. Feminism, at its core, seeks to dismantle the patriarchy and achieve equality for all genders. By focusing on cisgender women, I draw upon a long history of feminist activism that has laid the groundwork for broader gender equality. This focus does not negate the struggles of transgender individuals; instead, it builds on the existing foundation to create a more inclusive future. Feminism 4.0 embraces the diversity of experiences and identities, ensuring that the voices of trans women and other marginalised groups are integral to our collective fight for equality.
Statistically Relevant Data
Data plays a crucial role in shaping effective advocacy. Statistically, cisgender women represent a significant portion of the population facing gender-based discrimination and inequality. For instance, the gender pay gap, domestic violence statistics, and underrepresentation in leadership positions disproportionately affect cisgender women. Addressing these issues with targeted efforts can create ripple effects that benefit marginalised groups, including transgender individuals.
According to the 2021 Census, trans+ folks constitute approximately 0.5% of the population, and the broader LGBTQ+ community, including younger age groups, can make up about 9.2%. Women collectively make up 52% to 54% of the workforce. This demographic majority holds significant potential to influence mandates and policy creation.
Centring cisgender women in advocacy efforts is not about sidelining other marginalised groups but recognising the statistical leverage this majority holds. We can create a foundation that benefits everyone by addressing the shared gaps in healthcare, ensuring economic equity, enhancing representation, and improving safety. When cisgender women, who form the majority of the workforce, drive these changes, it sets a precedent that can lead to comprehensive protections and benefits for all gender identities.
I lean into these intersectional aspects of my identity when having this conversation. I firmly believe that by harnessing the collective influence of cisgender women, we can foster an environment of inclusivity and protection that extends to all marginalised communities, ensuring dignity and respect for every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or expression.
Highlighting Similarities, Not Differences
A key aspect of my approach emphasises similarities among women, regardless of gender identity. Many of the challenges faced by cisgender and transgender women are strikingly similar: discrimination, violence, and lack of representation. By centring cisgender women while acknowledging these shared struggles, we can foster solidarity and mutual understanding. This approach underscores the commonalities in our fight for gender equality, promoting unity rather than division.
Learning to Fight for ALL Women's Rights
Before I began advocating specifically for LGBTQ+ or Trans+ rights, my journey started with learning to fight for the rights of all women. During my transition, organisations like the Rainbow Resource Centre in Winnipeg, Canada, provided crucial support. In return, women welcomed me into the fight for our collective rights, eventually leading to my role as the National Board Chair for Women's March Canada.
My professional work complemented this experience as a CIO, where I focused on issues supporting young women and girls in STEM industries. I created work experience roles within my team to provide these young women with real-world experience to enhance their CVs. Additionally, I wrote personal letters of recommendation for each young woman. I leveraged my network of technology leaders to help them connect with hiring managers for roles for which they were qualified.
These combined experiences reinforced the importance of building a unified front in the battle against gender inequality. Understanding the broader fight for women’s rights has equipped me to support better all women, including those within the transgender community. By fostering solidarity and providing tangible support, we can collectively advance the cause of gender equality for everyone.
Availability of Data to Support Arguments
Robust data is critical to supporting advocacy work. Research on the status of cisgender women is more extensive and readily available, providing a solid evidence base for policy recommendations and advocacy strategies. This data can be leveraged to address systemic issues that affect all women, creating a more inclusive environment that benefits everyone.
However, it is equally important to recognise the gaps in data collection regarding trans+ individuals. While the 2021 Census included questions on gender identity for the first time, providing crucial insights, more comprehensive and intentional data collection efforts are needed to fully understand and address the unique challenges faced by the trans+ community. By advocating for expanded data collection, we can ensure that the experiences of all individuals are accurately represented and addressed in policy-making and advocacy work.
Post-Transition Perspective
My transition has given me a unique perspective on gender equality and fairness. Experiencing the world through the lens of a transgender woman was a profound awakening to the pervasive inequalities that exist. This "sledgehammer" to my sense of fairness and equality drives my commitment to work for all individuals impacted by gender in society and the workplace. This experience fuels my passion for creating safe spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Conclusion
My focus on cisgender women is not about excluding transgender individuals but about building a foundation that can support marginalised people. By centring cisgender women in my work, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. This recognises everyday struggles and leverages the wealth of data and historical activism to drive meaningful change. Together, we can continue to fight for a world where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, are treated with dignity and respect.